Papilio rumanzovia

Scarlet Mormon

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Papilionidae
• Genus: Papilio
• Species: P. rumanzovia

Common Names by Region:

• English: Scarlet Mormon
• Indonesian: Kupu-Kupu Kipasan
• Malay: Kupu-Kupu Merah
• Thai: ผีเสื้อชาวมอร์มอนแดง

Papilio rumanzovia, commonly known as the Scarlet Mormon, is a striking species of butterfly belonging to the Papilionidae family.

Description: Papilio rumanzovia is a large and vibrant butterfly species known for its striking scarlet wings edged with black and a series of iridescent blue spots. The upper side of the wings exhibits a prominent scarlet coloration with black borders, while the underside features a mottled pattern of brown, black, and orange hues. The wingspan of adult Scarlet Mormons ranges from 9 to 11 centimeters (3.5 to 4.3 inches). Additionally, the body of the butterfly is black with orange markings, and its antennae are slender and clubbed at the tips.

Known Range: The Scarlet Mormon butterfly is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, wooded areas, and gardens within its native range.

Diet: The caterpillars of Papilio rumanzovia feed primarily on leaves of plants in the Aristolochiaceae family, particularly species within the genus Aristolochia. These plants contain toxic compounds known as aristolochic acids, which the caterpillars sequester in their bodies and utilize for defense against predators. Common host plants include Aristolochia tagala, Aristolochia fimbriata, and Aristolochia ringens.

Breeding and Lifecycle:

• Mating: Adult Scarlet Mormon butterflies engage in courtship rituals characterized by aerial displays and pheromone release to attract potential mates.
• Egg-laying: After mating, females lay eggs singly on the leaves of host plants. The eggs are typically yellow or green in color and spherical in shape.
• Caterpillar Stage: The larvae, or caterpillars, emerge from the eggs and feed voraciously on the host plant leaves. They undergo several instars, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow.
• Pupa Stage: Once the caterpillar reaches maturity, it pupates by attaching itself to a substrate, such as a leaf or stem, and forming a chrysalis. The pupal stage lasts for approximately 10 to 14 days.
• Adult Emergence: After completing metamorphosis, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. It takes some time for the wings to expand and dry before the butterfly can take flight.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Papilio rumanzovia varies but generally ranges from a few weeks to a few months, depending on environmental factors and predation risks.

Conclusion: Papilio rumanzovia, the Scarlet Mormon butterfly, is a captivating species known for its vibrant coloration and intricate patterns.